Glaucoma: science and practice

Book Reviews Edited by David K. Coats, MD Glaucoma: Science and Practice John C. Morrison and Irvin P. Pollack. Thieme Medical Publishing 2003; New York, NY 544 pages $159.00 USD ISBN 0-86577-915-5 Media type: Textbook Reviewed by M. Fran Smith, MD, Gainesville, Florida Synopsis: Glaucoma: Science and Practice is a comprehensive glaucoma reference text that contains the necessary current information to allow excellent patient care. Target Audience: This reference book is intended mainly for the ophthalmology resident who wants a single authoritative text on the subject, but will also prove exceedingly useful to the practicing general ophthalmologist, as well as the glaucoma fellow. Review: Glaucoma: Science and Practice is an appropriately-named text which clearly meets the editors’ goal of serving as an inclusive collection of all facts necessary to properly diagnose and treat glaucoma, while simultaneously laying the scientific ground work upon which current treatment protocols are based. The text is divided into 3 major segments: (1) the scientific basis of glaucoma, (2) the clinical entities of glaucoma, and (3) therapy of glaucoma. Though there are over 50 contributors, the chapters and sections meld seamlessly together, thanks to the book’s excellent editing. Section I starts with a review of the scientific basis of glaucoma with a discussion of the “Epidemiology and Genetics of Glaucoma”, one of the most exciting arenas of study in glaucoma today. Sections II and III then cover the underpinnings of our study of glaucoma, “Determinants of Intraocular Pressure” and “The Optic Nerve.” Section IV covers in 17 chapters the major types of glaucoma. This second segment of the book is well organized and comprehensive, covering all entities from open and closed angle glaucoma, to steroid-induced glaucoma, glaucoma associated with increased episcleral venous pressure, traumatic glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, as well as the different presentations of glaucoma associated with retinal disorders or prior surgery. It is in this second segment of the text where one aspect of the textbook’s formatting comes in most useful. Each chapter makes a point of enclosing “clinical pearls”, “special considerations”, as well as points of “controversy” in highlighted boxes. This format can be especially helpful to the busy resident striving not to miss an important piece of information. The final segment of the book covers in sections V, VI, and VII medical, laser, and surgical therapies of glaucoma. The medical therapy section is especially nice because it includes a well-done review on neuroprotection. The laser section does mention selective laser trabeculoplasty, albeit briefly. The surgical section covers in 3 chapters the basics of filters, combined procedures, and setons, with a valuable final chapter on that frustrating complication, hypotony, which can darken any of the surgical therapies. Of note, all chapters have an excellent array of color photographs. Tables are appropriate and comprehensive. References are both historically complete and up to date. In conclusion, this is an enjoyable and first-rate textbook. Readers will appreciate its organization and neat style. More importantly, residents and practicing ophthalmologists will appreciate having this thorough reference available to them.